Marineland Charged With Five Counts Of Animal Cruelty By Ontario SPCA

Investigators with the Ontario SPCA (OSPCA) have charged Marineland with five counts of animal cruelty involving several bears, Guinea hens and a peacock.

According to a statement from the OSPCA on Friday, officials responded to concerns about animals at the Niagara Falls, Ont., facility on Nov. 10.

The OSPCA said Marineland has been charged with the following alleged offences:

One count for permitting a peacock to be in distress

One count for failing to comply with prescribed care standards for a peacock

Two counts for failing to comply with prescribed care standards for Guinea hens

One count for failing to comply with prescribed care standards, including failure to provide appropriate food and water, for approximately 35 American Black bears.

The statement said none of the animals have been removed, but the OSPCA said it is monitoring the care of the animals. The investigation is still ongoing and OSPCA spokeswoman Alison Cross said further charges are pending.

“If convicted, they could face a $60,000 fine, a lifetime ban in owning animals and up to two years in jail,” she said.